Guides
Why we get in our own way, in plain words
Short guides to common self-sabotage loops at work, in love and with money. Each one explains what psychologists describe, what the loop protects, and one small step to try today. Sources included.
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Why do I self-sabotage? What psychologists say, in plain wordsSelf-sabotage is often a way to feel safer right now. Four reasons psychologists describe, how it shows up, and one small tool to try today.6 min read
12 signs of self-sabotage, and what each one protectsSigns of self-sabotage at work, in love and with money, grouped into 6 common patterns, plus a 2-week tally you can start today. Free 5-minute quiz.6 min read
Work, goals and putting things off
Why do I procrastinate on things I actually want to do?Putting off things you want to do is common. Why wanting it can raise the stakes, why delay feels good for a moment, and a 2-minute tool to try today.5 min read
Why do I always wait until the last minute?Waiting until the last minute can feel like focus. What research says about deadline rush, 'I work better under pressure,' and one tool to try today.5 min read
Perfectionism at work: why good work never feels donePerfectionism at work often looks like care. What research says about its two sides, the cost of endless polishing, and a 'define done' tool to try.5 min read
Why do I give up so easily when things get hard?Giving up easily is often about the middle stretch or protecting how you see yourself. What research says, when quitting is fine, and a tool to try.5 min read
Feeling like a fraud at a new job? Why it happens and what to tryImpostor feelings at a new job are common. Why the learning curve can feel like proof you don't belong, what research says, and a Friday evidence log.5 min read
Self-sabotage at work: 6 patterns that quietly stall a careerMissed deadlines, endless tweaking, saying yes to every request: 6 ways self-sabotage shows up at work, the research behind each, and a tool to try.5 min read
People, love and self-worth
How to say no without feeling guilty, with 7 short scriptsWhy saying no feels so heavy, what research says about how people really react, and 7 kind, short scripts to try today. Plus a free 5-minute quiz.5 min read
How to stop self-sabotaging relationships: patterns and 5 small stepsWhy people pull away, test or pick fights when love gets close, what research says, and 5 small steps to try. Plus: is it sabotage, or not the one?5 min read
Why do I feel like I don't deserve good things?Feeling like you don't deserve good things is more common than it sounds. What psychologists describe, how it shows up, and a 60-second tool to try.5 min read
Money
Self-reflection, not a diagnosis. Sabotype is a self-reflection tool, not therapy or a diagnosis. If you're struggling, please reach out to a professional or a local helpline. In crisis? US: call or text 988. Elsewhere: findahelpline.com.
Written by the Sabotype team with AI assistance, then checked line by line against each guide's sources. How we write Sabotype.
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